At the end of October 2021, Eslite Wine Cellar hosted a Henriot French Champagne Live Tasting and a New Product Launch. Connecting directly with the owner, the event presented an Immersion video without an interpreter, allowing a unique experience to feel the story and context the owner wanted to convey. Four classic champagnes were tasted during the event, and the story behind the 2012 Burt Millésime left a lasting impression. I also attended a tasting event by Dream of Heaven Champagne from France, feel free to check it out if interested.
Henriot French Champagne
At the beginning of the event, they served Brut Souverain, a perfect aperitif and versatile pairing wine, with a simple and easy-to-drink style. Composed of 40-60 base wines, it’s like a beautiful symphony where you might not identify every instrument, but you can feel the completeness and classic beauty of a perfect composition. With aromas of green apples and minerals dancing in the mouth, it’s refreshingly natural, priced at NT$1,750 per bottle.
At the event, many media representatives, prominent figures in the wine industry, and writers were present.▼
Henriot New Product Launch Event
In the virtual video, winemaker Alice Tetienne mentioned that 2012 was a cause for concern due to three severe climatic challenges, including cold snow, astonishing rainfall, and even hailstorms. The vines endured these harsh conditions for a full seven months. The on-site video presentation provided a poignant insight into the challenging circumstances. As summer gave way to autumn, the weather transformed miraculously from adversity to perfection. The hot and dry conditions, reminiscent of a desert, contributed to this vintage’s complexity and rich roasted coffee-like aroma of the Champagne.
The Champagne behind the story, amidst the calm after the storm, holds a special resonance.
2012 Millésime Brut
The grapes for the 2012 Henriot come from six premier and one grand cru vineyards, aged on lees for over eight years. With elegant toasty aromas, notes of coffee, and a diverse range of spice flavors, it releases a rich vanilla ice cream scent with a crispy cone. The enchanting acidity highlights the wine’s charm and depth, making it truly unforgettable after hearing its story. Priced at NT.3300 per bottle.
2008 Millésime Brut
45%Chardonny 55%Pinot Noir
In 2012, the climate in the Champagne region was remarkably stable, without major disruptions. It was a highly promising year, but when comparing the two (2012 and 2008), I personally lean towards the 2012 vintage. Perhaps hearing its story made a more impression on me.
2012 Brut Rose
45%Chardonny 55%Pinot Noir
The 2012 Henriot Rosé has also been aged for over five years, with extremely low production. It is a personal favourite of mine, featuring a captivating pale coral-pink colour and the aroma of baked apples. On the palate, it blends delicate creamy notes with minerality, leaving a longer finish.
The Henriot family has been residents of the Reims region in the Champagne area since the 16th century. Their winery was established in 1808, boasting a history of over two centuries, making it one of the early wine merchants in France. https://www.champagne-henriot.com/
Conclusion
As for which of these four wines is my favourite? I believe everyone knows it deep down. The 2012 vintage left a profound impression on me, especially the Rose, which was outstanding. The delicate and rich baked aroma lingered on the nose, accompanied by subtle floral notes and the essence of roasted apple cores. The 2021 vintage is like a lotus in a pond, standing tall and blooming beautifully, resilient even after a heavy downpour.
I am honored to participate in this media tasting event.
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